Sometimes, the results of a decision are plainly visible. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, results in tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can lead to costly engine damage.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately obvious.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their existence. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, may not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
A perfect example of this is occupational hearing loss.
The actual costs and connections might be unclear, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the real price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s have a closer look.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, about 15.5% of individuals in the US have trouble hearing. Additionally, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so intense that it renders them unable to hear.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. In spite of efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to harmful noise levels each year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being exposed to harmful compounds in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing impairment. These include some cleaning solutions, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some professions.
What costs are associated with hearing impairment?
The financial and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be instantly obvious, but grasping these repercussions is essential for making informed decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute found that people with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less annually in comparison to those with normal hearing. This could be linked to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Injury which can result in short-term disability
- Struggles in work performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into arguments because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work frequently
- Social isolation (cost varies, but it can significantly increase general health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be staggering
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Comply with the safety regulations set by your employer, which may include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other safety devices while working. Several of these suggestions follow OSHA regulations that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Begin open and polite discussions with your co-workers about work conditions that could lead to hearing issues. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter application on your mobile device, taking care to perform the tests only when it is safe to do so. Follow the recommended suggestions of 85 dB for a maximum of 8 hours, 90 decibels for no more than 2 hours, 95 decibels for no more than 50 minutes, 100 decibels for a maximum of 15 minutes, and sound levels of 110 and higher can cause immediate harm.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that might occur. If you observe a decline in your hearing, think about seeking a safer work environment.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People with hearing impairment often experience challenges with family and friends. According to a study, people with hearing loss often have more arguments within their families, with 33% attributing most of their disputes to their hearing loss.
A shocking number of individuals with hearing loss – roughly one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take steps to deal with their hearing issues. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing loss admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also affect their work efficiency. People who do not address their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones. This solitude leaves them without a critical support system when dealing with sickness, mental health issues, injuries, or declining health.
Costs related to medical issues
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing associated health issues that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Minimizing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes essential to engage in meaningful workplace discussions. Check out these suggestions:
Take proactive actions by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for protecting your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have considerable financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.